Screens To Go Up In New Forest At Speeding Blackspot

Screening, in the form of timber fencing, is being installed in the central reserve on the A31 between junction 1 of the M27 and the A337/A336 Cadnam roundabout.

Work to put up screen fencing on the two roundabout approaches will begin on 18 August and it is expected to be finished within a week. This, together with the reduced speed limit of 50 miles an hour and road marking changes, is part of a package of measures aimed at promoting more responsible driving by encouraging drivers to approach the roundabouts with caution and to slow down.

It follows complaints from people living in the area that motorcyclists were using the roundabouts as a race track.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Executive Member for Environment at Hampshire County Council said:

"Local residents and businesses have identified that irresponsible driver behaviour has been a significant problem in this area and erecting the timber screening is the latest step we are taking to address this issue. Residents and local businesses have reported to me that they support the moves we are taking and are glad their concerns have been heard.

"A traffic regulation order is being progressed so that the speed limit can be lowered to 50 mph and we have also introduced other traffic calming measures to make the road safer, including additional road lining and signs. Over the summer months signs are in place reminding motorists to 'Think Bike' and for riders to ride with care too, with a 'Bikers Think' sign. We will continue to monitor the situation on this road and to work with other agencies, including the Police, to do what we can to ensure people drive responsibly."

Lady Kara Hawks, Chairman of Copythorne Parish Council, commented: "We are pleased that something is being done and are grateful to Hampshire County Councilâ€™s highways staff for their help and to our local MP, who helped us develop a solution to the problem. We are very pleased the speed limit is being reduced; this has helped to slow traffic down already."

The total cost of the work will be £20,000 of which £5,000 is being contributed by the New Forest National Park Authority.